A metaphor used by Global Kids Online researchers in a new blog post reminds me of research in the US that represented a huge digital youth milestone for me almost a decade ago – then of brand-new insights. The metaphor is that of a ladder – a progression of online activities kids and teens engage in, starting with the most “attractive and accessible” ones, like watching video or hanging out … [Read more...] about Higher & deeper views of kids online
Mimi Ito
Digital safety, wellbeing: 2018 highlights (Part 1)
This may not be the Internet safety look-back on 2018 you’d expect, what with all the news about data breaches, “fake news,” “tech addiction,” algorithmic bias, election manipulation, hate speech, etc., etc. Not a pretty picture. But it’s also not the whole picture. By definition, the news reports airline crashes, not safe landings. Even if 2018 was truly unique, though, with bad news the … [Read more...] about Digital safety, wellbeing: 2018 highlights (Part 1)
A book for wise (digital) parenting
The Art of Screen Time, by NPR's Anya Kamenetz, could not be more timely. What with hearings and headlines about digital privacy, so much talk about "tech addiction," and bad advice about "screen time," parents deserve this haven from the storm. And it's a haven not just because Kamenetz is a great reporter with sources representing multiple perspectives and disciplines. Also because she knows … [Read more...] about A book for wise (digital) parenting
The state of global youth, digitally speaking: Research
There could be no better year-end wrap-up or gift for stakeholders in youth online safety worldwide than UNICEF's just-released "State of the World's Children…in a Digital World." In it are the latest research, stories and commentaries from multiple international perspectives, including, to its credit, those of young people in 26 countries. In addition to their views and practices, the report … [Read more...] about The state of global youth, digitally speaking: Research
Schools’ disappearing walls: Explore the benefits!
School walls are disappearing. Probably anybody who's raising or teaching young digital media users has noticed this. For more than a decade and a half (in developed countries, anyway), schools have been opening up to the world just as more and more of the planet has joined the wired and wireless global network. Less and less can learning – formal or informal – be compartmentalized into rooms, … [Read more...] about Schools’ disappearing walls: Explore the benefits!